Fitwel Ambassador key terms

A health-focused building certification system that scores projects against evidence-based design and operational strategies, awarding one to three stars based on points earned across multiple health categories.

The structured set of strategies, each tied to a point value, that a project team uses to document achievement; different scorecards exist for different building types and scopes.

The route a project follows through Fitwel, such as new construction versus existing building operations, which determines which scorecard and documentation requirements apply.

A Fitwel pathway applied to projects at design and construction, verifying that health-promoting features are planned and built into new buildings or major renovations.

A Fitwel pathway for buildings already in use, where scoring reflects ongoing policies, programs, and management practices rather than design intent alone.

The certification level awarded to a project, from one star to three stars, reflecting the total points achieved relative to the maximum available on the applicable scorecard.

The minimum point total or percentage a project must reach to earn each star level, set separately for each scorecard and pathway.

The number of points a single Fitwel strategy is worth, weighted to reflect its strength of evidence and potential health impact relative to other strategies.

The method of assigning relative importance to strategies based on the quality and consistency of published research linking the feature to health outcomes.

The body of published scientific studies that Fitwel uses to justify each strategy, distinguishing it from design opinion or marketing claims.

A measurable change in physical or mental health, wellbeing, or health-related behavior that a building feature or policy is expected to produce for occupants.

The process of converting public health research findings into concrete, verifiable building design and operational requirements that project teams can implement and document.

A single actionable requirement within a Fitwel scorecard, such as providing stair access or outdoor space, that a project either achieves or does not achieve.

Drawings, specifications, plans, and written narratives submitted to demonstrate that a strategy has been incorporated into a project.

Policies, procedures, schedules, logs, and program records used to show that a strategy is actively maintained and delivered in an occupied building.

The assessment step in which submitted documentation is checked against scorecard requirements, with reviewers confirming, clarifying, or rejecting claimed strategies.

A version of the Fitwel scorecard system used for project certification, organized by health categories with defined strategies, point values, and documentation requirements.

A later generation of Fitwel resources that updates scorecards, strategy structure, and supporting guidance, including expanded attention to equity and community health.

The principle that all people should have fair opportunity to attain their best health, which in buildings means addressing the needs of vulnerable and underserved occupant groups.

The conditions of daily life, such as income, housing quality, and neighborhood environment, that shape health outcomes alongside individual behavior and genetics.

Groups at greater risk of poor health outcomes, including low-income households, older adults, children, people with disabilities, and those with chronic conditions.

The health status of a population living in a defined area, influenced by local housing, transportation, food access, and the design of shared spaces.

The overall physical comfort, mental state, and satisfaction of building users, treated in Fitwel as an outcome that design and operations can measurably influence.

Design choices that encourage physical activity in daily life, such as prominent stairs, walkable routes, bicycle storage, and inviting outdoor spaces.

A set of strategies making stairs visible, attractive, and convenient so occupants choose them over elevators, increasing incidental physical activity.

Any bodily movement that uses energy, including walking, climbing stairs, and cycling, which building design can encourage or discourage.

The degree to which an environment supports and encourages walking through connected paths, safe crossings, appealing routes, and nearby destinations.

The condition of a building's indoor air, light, acoustics, thermal environment, and materials, all of which affect occupant health and comfort.

The volume of outdoor air delivered to a space per unit time, typically expressed per person or per floor area, used to judge whether indoor air is adequately refreshed.

The use of sensors or periodic testing to track pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon dioxide, supporting timely adjustments to building operations.

The condition in which occupants are satisfied with the temperature and humidity of their environment, influenced by air movement, clothing, and personal control.

A sign or message placed where a choice is made, such as at a stair entrance, that nudges occupants toward the healthier option.

An organized set of activities, communications, and services offered to occupants to support healthy behaviors such as activity, nutrition, and preventive care.

A supplemental set of strategies focused on infectious disease transmission, covering ventilation, cleaning, occupancy management, and health communication during public health emergencies.

The organization that administers the Fitwel standard, maintains scorecards, reviews submissions, and issues certifications; it is distinct from any government agency.

The owner, design professionals, and facility managers responsible for selecting strategies, gathering evidence, and submitting a project for certification.

The financial worth of a property, which health certification can influence through tenant demand, retention, operating performance, and reduced risk.

The share of occupants or tenants who renew their leases, often used as a business outcome linked to building quality and occupant satisfaction.

The business case for health strategies, comparing implementation cost against benefits such as reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and lower turnover.